The sale of Broadstairs Memorial Hall, home to the Sarah Thorne Theatre, has been confirmed by Kent County Council (KCC) following an auction that did not meet expectations. The auction, held on December 11, attracted only one bid, which fell short by £45,000 of the £350,000 guide price. Despite this, KCC revealed that the building was sold to an undisclosed buyer shortly after the auction.
The site had become a focal point for community concern, particularly after the involvement of renowned actress Dame Judi Dench, who has served as a patron for the theatre. Dench expressed her distress regarding the potential loss of the venue, stating, “It would be a tremendous loss to the local community, and every effort should be made to secure its future.”
Community leaders rallied to preserve the theatre, urging KCC to reconsider the sale. Polly Billington, the local Member of Parliament for East Thanet, was among those advocating for the theatre’s continued operation under public stewardship. Following the announcement of the sale, she identified Michael Wheatley-Ward, the founder and director of the Sarah Thorne Theatre, as the new owner. Billington expressed her delight, saying, “I’m delighted that Michael Wheatley-Ward is to become the new owner of the Broadstairs Memorial Hall, and want to congratulate him on securing the future of the Sarah Thorne Theatre.”
The decision to sell the hall came after KCC determined it could no longer maintain the building, having received no viable proposals from community groups to keep it operational. A spokesperson for KCC stated, “We understand the future of the theatre has been secured; however, KCC cannot identify the purchaser because, while contracts have now been exchanged, the sale has not yet been completed.”
Brian Collins, deputy leader of KCC, acknowledged the community’s emotional investment in the hall and theatre. He noted, “I understand that an agreement has been reached on the sale of the property after the auction, which will safeguard the theatre. This is good news for the residents of Broadstairs, and I hope that the new owner will now be able to ensure that this facility can thrive.”
As the new ownership transition unfolds, the fate of the Sarah Thorne Theatre seems more secure, thanks to the concerted efforts of local advocates. The community awaits further details on how the new owner plans to enhance this cultural landmark and serve the local population in the years to come.
